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HB 1938

TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE CONCERNING THE CREATION OF DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLANS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Carr and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1938 boosts Arkansas education by requiring districts to create strategic plans with parental involvement, accountability, and support for literacy and math improvements.

Notification that HB1938 is now Act 807
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Bill Summary · HB 1938

Summary of HB 1938: District Strategic Plans and Responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 1938
- Title: To Amend Provisions of the Arkansas Code Concerning the Creation of District Strategic Plans and the Responsibility of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Status: Now Act 807
- Introduced: March 31, 2025
- Sponsor: Representative Joey Carr, Senator J. English

Purpose and Intent

HB 1938 aims to enhance the educational framework in Arkansas by amending existing laws related to the creation and implementation of district strategic plans. The bill focuses on improving parental involvement, accountability systems, and support for public schools and districts, ensuring that all students have equitable access to quality education.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to the Arkansas Code, including:

  1. Parental Involvement Plans:

    • Each public school district must collaborate with parents to establish a parental involvement plan within its school-level improvement plan, enhancing family engagement and addressing specific student needs.

  2. Accountability System:

    • The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with developing a comprehensive accountability system that:
      • Assesses equitable access to quality educators.
      • Maintains a statewide student assessment system.
      • Establishes clear academic standards and support levels for districts.
      • Generates public reports on district performance.

  3. School-Level Improvement Plans:

    • Public schools must submit annual school-level improvement plans that include:
      • A literacy plan aligned with the district's needs and based on the science of reading.
      • A parental involvement plan.
      • Posting of these plans on the school’s website by August 1 each year.

  4. District Strategic Plans:

    • By June 30 annually, each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school must submit a district strategic plan, which includes:
      • A literacy and mathematics plan based on student data.
      • Prioritization of funding, including Enhanced Student Achievement Funding.
      • Support strategies for schools needing targeted or comprehensive assistance.

  5. Monitoring and Review:

    • Educational service cooperatives will review and monitor the implementation of district strategic plans, collaborating with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval of funding uses.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1938 is expected to:
- Foster greater parental involvement in schools.
- Improve educational outcomes through structured accountability and support systems.
- Ensure that public schools and districts are better equipped to address the needs of their students, particularly in literacy and mathematics.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: Read first time and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed by the House.
  • April 9, 2025: Received by the Senate and passed.
  • April 14, 2025: Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1938 is now Act 807.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1938, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on Arkansas's educational landscape.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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